Computer hacking and malware

If you want to be able to use another person’s computer or the computers that belong to a company, you need to have permission to do so first. You also need to have their permission to download any new software or app on to their computer(s), change how their computer(s) are set up, or upload anything from their systems.

Computers can be anything from desktop PCs to smartphones to tablets – even webcams.

If you don’t have their permission to access their computing devices, this is a breach of the Computer Misuse Act.

This is a complicated area of law and Ashmans Solicitors’ team of experienced computer hacking lawyers represent those being questioned on or arrested for suspicion of involvement in computer hacking and malware offences.

Computer hacking laws UK

To be found guilty of hacking, a court needs to prove that you knew that your access to someone else’s computer systems was without permission.

The Computer Misuse Act also considers a defendant’s guilt or innocence on whether they accessed an unauthorised computer with the intent to carry out a further offence – like fraud, forgery, theft, or criminal damage.

So, for example, if someone hacked into their ex-employer’s computer with the aim of stealing their customer database so they could sell it to their competitors, these would be classed as additional offenses on top of the original hacking charge.

Last, have you been accused of the following?

• unauthorised modification to the contents of a computer• intends to make such a modification• knows that the actual or intended modification is not authorised

If you have, then this is a further offence in the eyes of the law. This would include installing “malware”. Malware is a type of computer program that, among other things, allows:

• further programs to be downloaded without authorisation, • logs a user’s keystrokes and sends them back to you, or • threatens the user that, if they do not pay a ransom, they will wipe or make unusable some or all parts of their computer and the information it contains.

Computer hacking solicitor

Do any of the following describe your situation right now?

• You have already been questioned about computer hacking, • You suspect that you will be questioned shortly about computer hacking, or • You have been arrested for computer hacking (and any associated malware installation offences)

If so, then you need to contact the specialist computer hacking solicitors at Ashman Solicitors without delay.

The Computer Misuse Act, which governs hacking and the use of malware, is a complicated area of law. We will need to work with other computer hacking experts, witnesses, and computer hacking forensic investigators to act on your behalf. In this area of law, cases can take a long time to come to court causing defendants unnecessary stress and hardship - so it is better to get started straight away.

You may also be questioned or have been charged on what you are alleged to have done after gaining unauthorised access. As soon as the Police detail their allegations, we will bring in other colleagues with experience and knowledge in those legal areas.

As soon as we receive instruction from you, our computer hacking lawyers and solicitors will start building the case for your defence. Your lead computer hacking solicitor and their team will assemble all of the necessary evidence, witnesses, forensics, and data to build a really strong defence for you.

If it’s needed, we will work with specialist barristers and other expert witnesses (including those from medical and psychology backgrounds) to thoroughly scrutinise and challenge all aspects of the prosecution’s legal and technical arguments.

CONTACT US NOW

Need our help now over a charge related to cybercrime? Call 03330 096 275 (or our emergency 24hr number 03330 096 275) to talk in confidence with one of the UK’s leading cybercrime defence solicitors, Ashmans Solicitors.